Coil centering device

ABSTRACT

This invention relates to a centering device for use in connection with coils of strip material having varying diameters which, during the process of manufacture in a steel mill, are brought to a rolling mill or processing line for feeding into the mill or line. The invention disclosed comprises an elevator means adapted to support a coil and raise it in a vertical direction. Above the elevator there is provided a weighted element which is connected to a chain, the other end of the chain being connected to a second weighted element which is displaced by, and at the same rate as, the elevator. On movement of the elevator, the coil engaging element is lowered at the same rate that the elevator is raised so that when the coil engaging element engages the top of the coil, it produces a signal that interrupts movement of the elevator, which interrupted position will place the centers of the coils on a predetermined reference point, notwithstanding their varying diameters.

United States Patent [1 1 Shumaker 4 COIL CENTERING DEVICE Charles Storer Shumaker, Glenshaw, Pa.

[73] Assignee: Wean United, Inc., Pittsburgh, Pa.

[22] Filed: Nov. 22, 1968 [21] Appl. No.: 778,191

[75] Inventor:

10/1951 Russell 5/1954 Muddiman...

Primary Examiner-George F. Mautz Attorneyl-lenry C. Westin [57] ABSTRACT This invention relates to a centering device for use in connection with coils of strip material having varying diameters which, during the process of manufacture in a steel mill, are brought to a rolling mill or processing line for feeding into the mill or line. The invention disclosed comprises an elevator means adapted to support a coil and raise it in a vertical direction. Above the elevator there is provided a weighted element which is connected to a chain, the other end of the chain being connected to a second weighted element which is displaced by, and at the same rate as, the elevator. On movement of the elevator, the coil engaging element is lowered at the same rate that the elevator is raised so that when the coil engaging element engages the top of the coil, it produces a signal that interrupts movement of the elevator, which interrupted position will place the centers of the coils on a predetermined reference point, notwithstanding their varying diameters.

11 Claims, 2 Drawing Figures PATENTEU 41975 3. 776.48%

SHEEI 1 IF 2 I NVE NTOR (#494 55 5. Maw/ 2 ATTORNEY W WI BY PAIENTEU 41975 wwzmz INVENTOR Cf/AAL ES 5. SHUMA/{ER ATTORNEY COIL CENTERING DEVICE Prior devices provided for positioning coils relative to the uncoiler of a rolling mill or processing apparatus have been very complicated, particularly when lending themselves to automatic operation. Moreover, they have usually required the continuous attendance of a workman. This is particularly true in those situations requiring the handling of a wide range of different coil diameters.

The present invention has for its object a simple, trouble-free, and yet, automatic apparatus for assuring that various diameter coils will be positioned so that their inside openings will coincide with that of a desired data reference point, such as the center line of the uncoiler of a rolling mill.

The present invention provides an elevator which is adapted to lift a coil off of a platform, in combination with a control means which is designed to descend towards the coil at the same rate that the elevator raises the coil, which control means, upon engaging the coil, will efi'ect a stoppage of the travel of the elevator at a point where the center of the coil will match that of the uncoiler.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide, in combination with an elevator adapted to lift a coil from a stationary platform, a coil centering device comprising a weighted element connected to one end of a chain and a second weighted element connected to the opposite end of the chain, wherein one of the weighted elements is displaced by the elevator and at the same rate, which displacement allows the other weighted element to descend towards and engage the coil, and a means for producing the signal once the other weighted element has come into contact with the coil so as to interrupt operation of the elevator, and means for independently displacing the two weighted elements so as to allow the elevator and coil to be moved away'from the coil centering device.

These objects, as well as other features and advantages of the present invention, will be more fully understood when the following description is read along with the accompanying drawings, of which:

FIG. .1 is a partial sectional view of a preferred form of the present invention showing a minimum and a maximum coil; and i 5 FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of a portion of the coil centering device shown in FIG. 1.

With reference to the drawings, it will be noted that there is provided a stationary platform on which successive coils of varying'diameters are brought prior to being brought to an unwinding device, such as an uncoiler of the type illustrated in U. S. Pat. No. 2,567,670 that issued on Sept. 11, l95l, to L. Iversen et al. The coils may be broughtto the platform 10'by'any number of well-known means, such as a truck or a conveyor. In this regard, it will be noted that the coils are placed on the platform 10 so that their center openings are in a proper position for engagement by the uncoiler cones; that is to say, the openings run in a horizontal direction and, therefore, are parallel to the axis of the uncoiler.

The platform 10 actually comprises two similar saddles which are spaced apart so as to allow an elevator 11 to be arranged between the saddles of the platform.

The elevator comprises a pair of freely rotatable rollers, one being shown at 1 2, which are mounted on a platfonn 13, the lower end of which is connected to a piston cylinder assembly 14 through which agency the rollers are raised so as to lift a coil off the platform 10. The elevator also includes two pairs of wheels 15, one of each pair being shown in FIG. I, which allow the elevator to be moved in a longitudinal direction towards and away from the uncoiler once the coil has been centered. The wheels, as shown, are mounted on tracks 16 which are supported by I-beams I7. Completing the description of the elevator, it will be noted that at the bottom of the piston cylinder assembly 14 there is provided a horizontal projection, or foot, 18 which is connected to the platform 13 of the elevator and, hence, moves vertically with the rollers 12.

To one side of the elevator there is provided a scaffold-like frame 21 consisting of an upright member 22 and an overhanging member 23, the member 23 extending away from the upright 22 a distance so that it overhangs a portion of the narrowest coil to be processed. The frame 21 is provided with five sprockets 24 around which there is placed a chain 25, the upper end of the chain 25 being connected to a housing in the form of a weight 26 that extends down from the member 23 of the frame, and the other end to a weight 27 which is so disposed by an additional pulley wheel 28 that it overhangs the outer edge of the projection 18 and is adapted to' engage the projection on certain occasions during the operation of the centering device. The wheel 28 is rotatably carried by an arm 29 which is connected to the stationary platform 10.

An additional wheel 31 is provided towards the base of the upright member 22 which is mounted on the piston of a piston cylinder assembly 32, which is adapted to displace the wheel 31 so that the two weights, in turn, may be displaced. The purpose of this operation will be brought out in connection with a discussion of the operation of the centering device.

Referring now to the weight 26, as best shown in FIG. 2, it will be noted that the member 23, in addition to housing one of the sprockets 24, also receives two guiding rods 33 which extend vertically through the mem ber 23, the other ends of which are connected at 34 to a the weight 26. As shown in FIG. 2, the member 23 is actually separated, from the weight 26 by a number of rods 35, in which it will be noted that the chain 25 is connected to the top of the weight 26 at 36.

Directing attention now to the weight in particular, and still referring to FIG. 2, it will be noted that the lower portion of the weight has ahinge member 37 which is hinged to the weight by a pair of hinges 38 so that the hinge member is adapted to be displaced towards the coil. On the one side of the weight 26 there is provided a snap-action switch 41 which has a plunger 42 extending downwardly and adapted to engage an angle .43 which is secured to the hinge member 37. In the positionof the various parts illustrated in FIG. 2, the angle 43 has engaged the plunger 42 and, thereby, has effected an operation of the switch 41.

Before describing the operation of the illustrated coil centering device, it is important to note that there exists a predetermined distance between the coil supporting surface of the platform 10 and the upper extreme position of the weight 26, the upper position being illustrated in FIG. 1. It is also important to note that, in the upper position, the lower weight 27 is held away from the projection 18 at a distance equal to the distance between the lower-most position of the rollers 12 and the supporting surface of the platform 10 or, in other words, the lower surface of a coil supported by the platform 10. Accordingly, by reason of the interconnected weights, a predetermined distance is established between the rollers 12 and the weight 26 such that they move towards the center line of the uncoiler at the same rate and at the same amount when the coil is lifted off the platform by the elevator 11. Having spaced the weight 26 at a distance greater than the maximum diameter coil to be received, a centering device is provided which will assure at all times, and in an automatic manner, the location of the center of various diameter coils.

While in FIG. 1 a maximum and a minimum coil have been been shown in phantom, let it be assumed that the minimum diameter coil is to be handled and that it has been placed on the platform 10, and that the rollers 12 are in their lowest position, as well as the weight 26 in its highest position; hence, clear of the coil. In this position, the weight 27 will be free of the projection 18 an amount equal to the distance between the top of the rollers 12 and the bottom of the coil. The cylinder 32 will be collapsed, as shown in FIG. 1, so that the coil centering operation is in readiness to begin. It is commenced by operating the cylinder 14 to effect a raising of the rollers 12 into engagement with the bottom of the coil. At the same time, the projection 18 will engage the lower weight 27. As soon as this engagement is effected and the displacement has taken place with respect to the weight 27, equal displacement will occur in the lowering of the weight 26, which is directly tied in through the cable 25 with the lower weight 27. This relationship continues on the raising of the coil by the further operation of the cylinder 14 until the hinge 37 comes into engagement with the top of the coil, as shown in phantom in FIG. 1. The engaging hinge will trip the switch 41 and operate the valve, shown associated with the cylinder 14, to interrupt movement of the cylinder 14 and the rollers 12. Since the roller 12 and the weight 26 have moved an equal amount, the hinge 37 will be brought into engagement with the coil exactly on the center line of the uncoiler.

The coil may now be advanced to the uncoiler; but before this is done, the cylinder 32 is operated to raise the weight 26 out of contact with the top of the coil, and the weight 27 out of contact with the projection 18. This will permit the elevator to be moved longitudinally by virtue of its wheels over the track 16 to the uncoiler where the center of the coil will be at the proper elevation for engagement by the cones of the uncoiler.

It will be appreciated that the various features of the disclosed centering device may be used in different arrangements and also to position different types of articles, such as the workpieces in a machine shop, and may be combined with various other articles in the transfer and handling of workpieces where centering must be done.

In accordance with the provisions of the patent statutes, I have explained the principle and operation of my invention and have illustrated and described what I consider to represent the best embodiment thereof. However, I desire to have it understood that within the scope of the appended claims, the invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically illustrated and described.

I claim:

1. In an apparatus for positioning a workpiece having varying dimensional characteristics on a fixed data position for further handling or processing,

a support station for the workpiece,

a first movable member arranged in said station,

a second movable member arranged a predetermined spaced distance from said first member so that a workpiece can be positioned between said first and second members,

said predetermined distance being greater than the maximum dimension of said workpiece positionable between said two members,

means for causing said first member to move a workpiece toward said second member,

means operated by said first member for etfecting movement of said second member towards said first member an amount equal to the amount of movement of said first member, and

means carried by said second member for contacting the workpiece and for effecting interruption of the movement of said first member when the workpiece has reached said data position.

2. In an apparatus for positioning the center of various diameter coils with reference to a fixed data center line,

a support station for said coils,

an ascending member arranged in said station,

a descending member arranged a predetermined distance from said ascending member so that a coil can be positioned between said ascending and descending members,

said predetermined distance being greater than the maximum diameter of said coils positionable between said two members,

means for causing said ascending member to move a coil towards said descending member,

means interrelating said ascending and descending members for effecting movement of said descending member towards said ascending member an amount equal to the amount of movement of said ascending member, and

means carried by said descending member for contacting the coil and for efiecting interruption of the movement of said ascending member when the coil has reached said data center line position.

3. An apparatus according to claim 2 wherein said support station includes means for permanently mounting said support station and wherein said ascending member includes an elevator and a piston cylinder assembly for vertically moving said elevator.

4. In an apparatus according to claim 3 wherein said apparatus includes a first freely hanging weight adapted to be engaged by said elevator and wherein said descending member comprises a second freely hanging weight, a chain interconnecting said weights constructed and arranged so that a displacement of said first weight by said elevator causes a displacement of said second weight at the same rate of travel.

5. In an apparatus according to claim 4 including a sprocket over which said chain passes, said sprocket being displaced by a piston cylinder assembly, thereby causing a second displacement of said two weights.

6. In an apparatus according to claim 4 wherein said chain is carried by a plurality of sprockets, a scaffold for rotatably supporting said sprockets and having an overhanging portion, the end of which is adapted to extend over the coils and on which end said ascending member is mounted.

7. In an apparatus according to claim 6 wherein said descending member comprises:

a housing,

a hinge member and a control means carried by said housing, means operative on movement of said hinge member for effecting operation of said control means, and means associated with said control means and said piston cylinder assembly of said ascending member for interrupting movement of said piston cylinder assembly on operation of said control means.

8. The combination of an uncoiler defining an uncoiler axis, and apparatus for mounting a coil on said uncoiler, said apparatus comprising a vertically movable lifting table for carrying a coil and lifting it to an aligned position, in which the axis of said coil is aligned with said uncoiler axis, said lifting table having a coilcontacting surface for contacting said coil carried by said lifting table, lifting drive means for lifting said lifting table, control means for de-energizing said lifting drive means when said coil carried by said lifting table has reached said aligned position, a detector, a linkage for connecting said detector to said lifting table for movement in a direction which is opposite to the direction of the vertical movement of said lifting table and at a speed which is proportional to the speed of the vertical movement of said lifting table, said detector being adapted to assume an initial position, in which its distance from said uncoiler axis is the same as the distance of said coil-contacting surface from said uncoiler axis, and to contact the outside periphery of said coil in response to a lifting movement of said lifting table, and a signal generator arranged to generate a signal in response to said detector contacting the outside periphery of said coil.

9. The combination set forth in claim 8, in which said linkage is arranged to move said detector at a speed which is equal to the speed of the vertical movement of said table.

10. The combination set forth in claim 8, in which said control means are arranged to receive said signal and to de-energize said lifting drive means in response to said signal.

11. The combination set forth in claim 8, in which said detector comprises a limit switch, which is engageable with a coil carried by said lifting table and operable in response to such engagement, and an arm which carries said limit switch. 

1. In an apparatus for positioning a workpiece having varying dimensional characteristics on a fixed data position for further handling or processing, a support station for the workpiece, a first movable member arranged in said station, a secoNd movable member arranged a predetermined spaced distance from said first member so that a workpiece can be positioned between said first and second members, said predetermined distance being greater than the maximum dimension of said workpiece positionable between said two members, means for causing said first member to move a workpiece toward said second member, means operated by said first member for effecting movement of said second member towards said first member an amount equal to the amount of movement of said first member, and means carried by said second member for contacting the workpiece and for effecting interruption of the movement of said first member when the workpiece has reached said data position.
 2. In an apparatus for positioning the center of various diameter coils with reference to a fixed data center line, a support station for said coils, an ascending member arranged in said station, a descending member arranged a predetermined distance from said ascending member so that a coil can be positioned between said ascending and descending members, said predetermined distance being greater than the maximum diameter of said coils positionable between said two members, means for causing said ascending member to move a coil towards said descending member, means interrelating said ascending and descending members for effecting movement of said descending member towards said ascending member an amount equal to the amount of movement of said ascending member, and means carried by said descending member for contacting the coil and for effecting interruption of the movement of said ascending member when the coil has reached said data center line position.
 3. An apparatus according to claim 2 wherein said support station includes means for permanently mounting said support station and wherein said ascending member includes an elevator and a piston cylinder assembly for vertically moving said elevator.
 4. In an apparatus according to claim 3 wherein said apparatus includes a first freely hanging weight adapted to be engaged by said elevator and wherein said descending member comprises a second freely hanging weight, a chain interconnecting said weights constructed and arranged so that a displacement of said first weight by said elevator causes a displacement of said second weight at the same rate of travel.
 5. In an apparatus according to claim 4 including a sprocket over which said chain passes, said sprocket being displaced by a piston cylinder assembly, thereby causing a second displacement of said two weights.
 6. In an apparatus according to claim 4 wherein said chain is carried by a plurality of sprockets, a scaffold for rotatably supporting said sprockets and having an overhanging portion, the end of which is adapted to extend over the coils and on which end said ascending member is mounted.
 7. In an apparatus according to claim 6 wherein said descending member comprises: a housing, a hinge member and a control means carried by said housing, means operative on movement of said hinge member for effecting operation of said control means, and means associated with said control means and said piston cylinder assembly of said ascending member for interrupting movement of said piston cylinder assembly on operation of said control means.
 8. The combination of an uncoiler defining an uncoiler axis, and apparatus for mounting a coil on said uncoiler, said apparatus comprising a vertically movable lifting table for carrying a coil and lifting it to an aligned position, in which the axis of said coil is aligned with said uncoiler axis, said lifting table having a coil-contacting surface for contacting said coil carried by said lifting table, lifting drive means for lifting said lifting table, control means for de-energizing said lifting drive means when said coil carried by said lifting table has reached said aligned position, a detector, a linkage for connecting said dEtector to said lifting table for movement in a direction which is opposite to the direction of the vertical movement of said lifting table and at a speed which is proportional to the speed of the vertical movement of said lifting table, said detector being adapted to assume an initial position, in which its distance from said uncoiler axis is the same as the distance of said coil-contacting surface from said uncoiler axis, and to contact the outside periphery of said coil in response to a lifting movement of said lifting table, and a signal generator arranged to generate a signal in response to said detector contacting the outside periphery of said coil.
 9. The combination set forth in claim 8, in which said linkage is arranged to move said detector at a speed which is equal to the speed of the vertical movement of said table.
 10. The combination set forth in claim 8, in which said control means are arranged to receive said signal and to de-energize said lifting drive means in response to said signal.
 11. The combination set forth in claim 8, in which said detector comprises a limit switch, which is engageable with a coil carried by said lifting table and operable in response to such engagement, and an arm which carries said limit switch. 